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Mexico – Teotihuacan Pyramids – Day Trip from Mexico City

OVERVIEW:

One day, I decided to make my own way to the famous Teotihuacan Pyramids …

ABOUT THE PYRAMIDS:

Teotihuacan is an ancient Mesoamerican city located in a sub-valley of the Valley of Mexico 40 kilometres (25 miles) northeast of modern-day Mexico City.

At its zenith, about the same time as the Roman Empire, Teotihuacan was the largest city in the Americas with a population of 125,000 or more … making it at least the sixth largest city in the world during this period. The city covered 8 square miles; 80-90% of the total population of the valley resided in Teotihuacan.

Apart from the pyramids, Teotihuacan is also anthropologically significant for its complex, multi-family residential compounds, the ‘Avenue of the Dead’ and its vibrant murals that have been well-preserved.

Later, the Aztecs saw these magnificent ruins and claimed a common ancestry with the Teotihuacanos, modifying and adopting aspects of their culture. The ethnicity of the inhabitants of Teotihuacan is the subject of debate. Scholars have suggested that Teotihuacan was a multi-ethnic state.

The archaeological site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. It is the most visited archaeological site in Mexico, receiving 4,185,017 visitors in 2017.

TRANSPORT:

Get to the ‘Autobuses del Norte’ bus terminal in Mexico City.

The easiest way to get there is to jump on the Metro (M$5).

Connect to the Yellow Line and get off at the Autobuses Del Norte Metro Station.

Walk across the road from the Metro to the bus terminal. Turn left and find the Counter(s) signposted #8.

Buy a return ticket to the Pyramids for M$52 each way. Alternatively, you can buy a 1 way ticket and pay the driver on return.

Your outward bound bus is ‘assigned’ – the departure time and bus number are printed on your ticket – make sure that you don’t miss it.

TEOTIHUACAN PYRAMIDS:

Walk a couple of 100 metres to Gate 2 and enter the site. You walk the ‘Avenue of the Dead’.
The Pyramid of the Sun is the largest.

You get great views from the top.

Further up, is the Pyramid of the Moon.

With views straight down the Avenue of the Dead.

The Aztecs named it the Avenue of the Dead in error. They thought that it was lined with tombs. It is not… These are, actually, temples and accommodation for the elite.

Don’t forget to visit the Museum.

When you are done, exit at Carpark 2 (P2) which is opposite the Pyramid of the Sun on the western side of the Avenue of the Dead.
Walk out to the main road and cross to the other side – the bus back to Mexico City goes from right to left. You shouldn’t need to wait more than 20 minutes for a bus. Don’t forget to flag it down (or it may not stop).

CONCLUSION:

Allow 5 hours to walk around everything at a leisurely pace – including the museum.
Expect to walk a total of 15 to 20 kms – which includes walking up and down the Pyramids.

TTFN

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